- #THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD FULL#
- #THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD SERIES#
- #THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD WINDOWS#
The 1961 model year introduced the “Bullet Bird” design, characterized by its bullet-shaped taillights. Engine options included V8s with increased horsepower, catering to those seeking both style and performance. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and innovative features like sequential turn signals. It featured a sleeker, more squared-off design with a hint of European influence. The third-generation Thunderbird shifted towards a more refined and formal image. The 1958 model year introduced the iconic “square bird” design, while the subsequent years saw some refinements and updates.
The engine options included V8s with increased power compared to the previous generation. It introduced four seats, making it more of a personal luxury car than a strict sports car. It adopted a larger, more flamboyant look, with prominent tail-fins and a longer body. The second generation brought significant changes to the Thunderbird’s design.
These models are highly sought after by collectors due to their iconic status and limited production numbers. They were equipped with V8 engines and offered various power options, including a supercharged version. The first-generation Thunderbirds, often referred to as “Baby Birds,” featured a sleek design, wraparound windshield, and porthole windows. It was introduced as a two-seater convertible with a focus on sportiness and style. This is where it all began for the Thunderbird. If you’re considering buying a Ford Thunderbird, this buyer’s guide will provide you with some essential information to help you make an informed decision. Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the Thunderbird has attracted many enthusiasts and collectors over the years. The ‘power dome’ bonnet of this 1962 Ford Thunderbird concealed a Ford 390ci V8 and a ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ 3 speed automatic transmission.The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American car that has gone through several generations since its introduction in 1955.
#THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD WINDOWS#
Our 1962 Ford Thunderbird Convertible in Rangoon Red was purchased from Reg Merry, Greenvale VIC in July 2000 and features electric seats, electric windows and a Roadster tonneau. The final 2002 eleventh generation was again a 2 seater sharing its platform with the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type and Jaguar XF.
#THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD SERIES#
1966 Ford Thunderbird brochure pageįord continued Thunderbird production until 1997 and again revived it from 2002 until 2005 with eleven different series being offered from 1955. Ford’s advertising for the 1962 Thunderbirds stated: “Sparkling with original ideas, from Swing-Away steering wheel to ‘floating’ rear view mirror…all crafted to Thunderbird standards of extraordinary quality”. The rear jet inspired taillights capped off a stunningly beautiful design. With the touch of a button the Thunderbird was able to conceal its convertible top automatically, but when the tonneau cover was removed, 4 seats were revealed. The Sports Roadster tonneau featured two inverted U shaped headrests known as 'nacelles'. The 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster of which just 1,427 were produced, had a factory fitted tonneau that hid the rear seats and gave the appearance of the original 1955 2 seater.
#THIRD GENERATION FORD THUNDERBIRD FULL#
This third series of Thunderbird shared many common traits with the ’61 Lincoln Continental including its cowl structure, headlights and the full length fender ridge.įor 1962, the Ford Thunderbird offered a mild facelift of the ’61 T-Bird with a total of 78,011 of the ‘62s being built. The sleek fuselage-like styling of the 1961-1963 Thunderbird series inspired the nick name ‘Bullet Bird’. Marketing tag lines for the new ‘61 T-bird declared “Unique in all the world” and “The new adventure in elegance”. The third generation of the T-bird was released in 1961 with all new styling inspired by the space age. 1955 production of the first 2 seat was 16,155 while 1960 production, the final year of the ‘square bird’ 4 seat, was 92,843. To succeed it would need style and performance like never before…and succeed it did. It was to transform from a ‘sports car’ to a larger ‘personal luxury’ 4 seat car that would attract a larger customer base. 1959 Ford Thunderbird brochure pageġ958 saw the release of a new and different Thunderbird. The 2 seat market in the US was limited and Ford senior management did not see a bright future for their stylish ‘Baby Bird’, so a 4 seat version was contemplated. Its name was derived from the Native American legend of the ‘Thunderbird’ which spoke of beauty, power and light. Like the Corvette, the ’55 Thunderbird was also a 2 seater. The first Ford Thunderbird was released in the USA in 1955 as a competitor to Chevrolet’s 1953 Corvette 2 seat sports car.
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